History

Handbell Tune Ringing

Bells probably originated
in China and hundreds have been excavated from ancient tombs there, but we do
not know how they were rung. Bells were also in use in Israel in Old Testament
times, though mainly as a decoration for the priest's robes.

The Romans had bells but again, we cannot be sure how they were used. The first
Christian missionaries to Britain rang a handbell to gather people together. In
medieval times a handbell was rung by the priest when leading a funeral
procession to the churchyard. Gradually it became necessary for a larger bell
to summon workers in the fields to the daily services in the monastery
churches. This is the origin of church tower bells.

The art of change-ringing began in England in the 16th century. In order to
practise the changes, the smaller handbell evolved in the 17th century. Two
hundred years later, in Victorian times, these sets of handbells were often
used to ring tunes and the popularity of tune-ringing spread throughout the
country. There were famous competitions between teams of ringers in the
manufacturing towns at the turn of the 20th century.

In 1967 a national society was founded and now there are teams of ringers
throughout the British Isles with rallies held in each area. Guildford
Cathedral hosts a festival service with massed ringing each autumn.

The art of handbell tune ringing is now worldwide, mainly in America and the
Commonwealth countries but also in Japan and Korea.